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Billabong Pipe Masters, 2009: Triple Crown champions Joel Parkinson and Stephanie Gilmore. Taj Burrow also took home a first place after beating Dane Reynolds in the Semifinals and Kelly Slater in the Final. Burrow earned a 7.0 in his opening ride with a series of loose airs and carves – the highest score recorded for a turn at Pipe since Tom Carroll in 1991. Photo: ASP.
In 1983, the first Triple Crown was organized to showcase surfers’ abilities at three of the most famed surf spots to date: Pipe, Sunset Beach, and Haleiwa’s Ali’i Beach. In its 39th year, the Triple Crown is destined to showcase some insane battles between the biggest names in professional surfing.
As the Reef Hawaiian Pro kicks off this week, swell is expected to reach a highly anticipated 20-30 feet. After nine events, Mick Fanning holds the World Championship Tour rankings and the lead over Kelly Slater.
Here’s a look through the years at one of the most prestigious events in surfing – the Triple Crown of Surfing. Watch all the live action here.